[How to] Pass Multiple Parameters to a Macro

[_jims]

Very nice tutorial, @JuanWayri. Thanks so much for sharing.

@JuanWayri

passing multiple parameters to a Macro

At the risk of stating the obvious, let's not forget the Execute a Subroutine action. One downside of that action, however, is that the subroutine macro cannot be spawned asynchronously.

@JuanWayri

Fragile. If your data contains the delimiter (e.g., a file name with a | in it), the parsing will break.

This risk, of course, can be significantly minimized by delimiting with unicode characters that are very unlikely to appear in sequence in the parameters. For example:

In the Execute a Macro With Parameter: ABC●⎹●JKL●⎹●XYZ

Within the called macro:

%TriggerValue[1]●⎹●%
%TriggerValue[2]●⎹●%
%TriggerValue[3]●⎹●%

More information can be found in the wiki: Variable Arrays

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@JuanWayri

Unlike variables, Dictionaries are always global and persistent.

Of course, in some situations this is an advantage. I use this approach often in macros that have settings that I want to retain between macro executions.

I shared my approach in another tutorial: Store Macro Settings in a Dictionary for Reuse

@JuanWayri

It simply creates a permanent database entry named "Local__Data".

A dictionary can be deleted using the Set Dictionary to JSON action with {}.

Lastly, whenever dictionaries are discussed, I like to mention Variable Inspector Prompt and Dictionary Editor by @DanThomas. With this essential macro, dictionaries can be deleted with the delete key or the wastebasket icon in the macro toolbar.